biznizclass

Can anyone recommend a manufacturer/designer who can design, make and ship a custom made carry-on bag? Essentially all I want is the build quality of a Red Oxx Air Boss but without some of the design "features" of the Air Boss. (I don't think I am asking for much here)



I like the build quality of the Red Oxx Air Boss bag, but there are aspects of the Air Boss that I don't like and would probably want to change.

However, in the area of (onebag travel) carry-on luggage, business travelers seem rather limited to the Red Oxx Air Boss.

While Red Oxx (seems to) make bags of unquestioned build quality (based on the MANY reviews I have read), the aesthetics of the Air Boss seems a little bit questionable for a business traveler (or maybe its just me).

In terms of the aesthetics of my luggage, I am more of a Tumi, B&R, Rimowa . But I LOVE the "bullet proof" build quality of the Red Oxx Air Boss, and since I am trying to be a (true) onebag traveler I also like the fact that the bag weighs ~4lbs. BUT I need to always look "presentable" when traveling as a business traveler. Image matters to me and the people I work for/with.

The Air Boss doesn't really look "appropriate" with my tailored business suits.

Kagehitokiri

unfortunately its likely your only option is fully bespoke..

but wait, you mention B&R. they dont have a similarly functional product? i dont trust red oxx, travelpro, etc warranties.

i like the very specific wording of B&R, boyt, eagle creek >
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/8297232-post85.html

biznizclass

Ok, but who would I get to do the bespoke work for my custom bag?

"but wait, you mention B&R. they dont have a similarly functional product?" Not really, well, not that I am aware of. Can you provide additional info.

Kagehitokiri

if B&R does not make something similar, they might be a good place to start

i realize now your question may have been targeting independent manufacturers/designers (perhaps former employees of brand names)

2 brand names with bespoke that i recall >
http://www.luxury-insider.com/regula...spoke-luggage/
http://www.departures.com/articles/d...shouldering-on

GadgetFreak

Closest would be the BR235x. There are two problems with that. The first is that they discontinued it last year. You can probably still find them around though. Second problem is that it is quite a bit heavier than an Airboss.

biznizclass

I am not so sure that is what I am looking for, like I said I like the "bullet proof" build quality of the Red Oxx Air Boss and most of the features I am ok with the Cordura material (although I would have probably preferred ballistic nylon instead)....its just that I am looking for the quality of the AB but the understated, unassuming presence of something like the EasyGoing carry-on bag ( seen in this review http://www.1bag1world.com/blog/2009/...-shootout.html )

And of course, I am trying to embrace the onebag philosophy too, so the bag must be light weight (4lbs or less).

The main problem I have with the AB is that it looks like a camping/hiking/gym bag....put it this way, it looks like everything except a business travel bag (even though Red Oxx specifically markets the AB for business travel).

(I am almost certain I am the only traveler that thinks this of the Red Oxx AB)


I was just wondering if there are companies out there that could design/build what I want in a bag....I was also curious to know if others have similar concerns regards deigning there own bag (please share your experiences).




Yes GadgetFreak, its a bit heavier, also, its just not my style.

So far only two bags I have considered for my onebag business travel are the RedOxx Air Boss and the MEI Executive Overnighter. I considered the MEI EO because although it has backpack straps, these straps can be concealed. The MEI EO (strangely enough) seems (to me to be) more understated than the RedOxx AB. Also, based on what I have read, MEI seems like they would be more accommodating to modifications to the bag's design. I don't think Red Oxx even entertains the idea of modifying there bags to suit customer's request (this is also based on what I have read).

Kagehitokiri

might have useful info >

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/trave...atos-bags.html

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/trave...y-luggage.html

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/trave...eat-deals.html

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/trave...rment-bag.html

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/trave...e-vintage.html

also, why not talk to red oxx first, if you like air boss?

GadgetFreak

Have you looked at the Tom Bihn Tristar?

biznizclass

While the Tristar appears to be a great bag, it wouldn't be my bag of choice for a business travel and it doesnt realy match my style, but the real issue I have with the TStar is that it would be too small for me.

I would want to be able to use my bag for business travel (1-2 weeks long), be able to comfortably carry 1-2 suits.

Sometimes my business "trips" gets "extended" (i.e, they become short term assignments 4-6-8 weeks) so I need to be able to pack for this eventuality. Sometimes I need to go on assignments which are 4-6 months long. There will be times when my bag is part of my overall attire and as such my appearance/image along with the bag's is important.....other times it just wont matter. Sometimes my trips/assignments are not for business.....sometimes my trips/assignments are both business and pleasure. The point I am getting it is, the bag needs to be versatile.


The RedOxx AB and the MEI EO would seem like the only choices for accommodating my onebag aspirations for these kind of trips/assignments.

Kagehitokiri

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/trave...ernighter.html

interesting re MEI.

are you talking budget or no budget? if no budget, never hurts to just contact senior staff and ask.

GadgetFreak

I have to confess to being completely confused as to what your "style" is if the MEI fits it and these others dont. Although yes, the Tristar is a bit smaller. In terms of size I dont see much of a difference between about 5-7 days and 3 months. You cant carry three months of clothing. It is a few days and then laundry.

I just got back from a 6 day, round the world trip. I had to wear a suit on one of the days, unusual for me. I used a B&R rolling cabin bag which contained my suit and most of my clothes. I carried and emergency change of clothes, computer, iPad and assorted things in a backpack. I had the suit and three other days of clothes in total. With careful folding the suit was okay although I checked before leaving and the hotel I was staying in where I needed to wear a suit had 1 hour pressing service from very early morning to early evening, which I took advantage of.

While I understand the lure of one bag and was doing it for a while myself, and sometimes still do, I wonder if it is going to provide adequate flexibility for you. There were a few threads here a year or so ago about this, at least indirectly. One was by someone who had to start considerable travel, and like you had to have a business like presence as well as be very flexible. Lots of options were discussed but among the most flexible was a B&R rolling briefcase and a B&R trifold garment bag for clothes and suits. One can possibly flip that with an appropriate rolling bag and a briefcase. While not one bag, I would argue that selecting them well, and keeping them small keeps with some of the spirit of traveling light that is at the center of the one bag concept, while giving a lot more flexibility. Some threads on some of these other options that I looked up and might be of interest if you havent seen them already:

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/trave...-question.html

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/trave...onal-trip.html

Oh, and welcome to Flyertalk

biznizclass

I wonder the very same thing too, but I at least want to try onebag. As it relates to the TriStar, its an ok bag, bu I guess I am just not a fan of it.


Thanks

GadgetFreak

How about this one? If I recall Till was a big fan of this bag. I dont have any personal experience with it.

http://www.briggs-riley.com/category...-Cabin-Bag_224

oldpenny16

Color selection on the Air Boss or Sky Train by RedOxx does make a difference. Our guys who order their bag in dark blue (Mariner) or black seem to feel that have a more business like appearance. I am fundamentally a rebel and prefer safari, olive and the brightest of the colors: saffron

Has the OP tried telephoning RedOxx to ask about a custom made bag?

try2cook

If you want to have an MEI Executive Overnighter customized, owner Ahmed would probably do that for you. He improved the Executive Overnighter drastically after receiving feedback from customers. Readers of www.1bag1world.com/blog commented on the requested and fulfilled changes in the 150+ comments to this review of the Executive Overnighter here:

http://www.1bag1world.com/blog/2007/....html#comments